Leah Connor’s Guinness World Record Attempt at the 2026 Chicago Marathon

On October 11, 2026, I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon while attempting an official Guinness World Records title: Fastest marathon dressed as a traffic cone — female.

Yes. A traffic cone.

More specifically: I’ll be running 26.2 miles fully encased in a rigid, instantly recognizable traffic cone costume named Coney — complete with googly eyes, orange-and-white cone body, and probably more visibility than good judgment.

But while the costume is silly, the cause is not.

I’m using this attempt to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research, raises awareness, supports families, and works toward better treatments and cures for children with cancer.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation began with Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who held her first lemonade stand as a child with cancer to raise money to help other kids. Her simple, generous idea grew into a national movement for childhood cancer research and family support.

I’ve run a lot of races. I’ve directed races. I’ve spent years around start lines, finish lines, cones, course markings, volunteers, runners, and the strange emotional power of showing up and moving forward. So this attempt feels like a very Leah version of doing something hard, hopeful, absurd, and meaningful all at once.

To make the record count, I have to follow strict Guinness World Records rules: the costume must fully encase me, extend below the knee, stay rigid, be instantly recognizable as a traffic cone, and be worn for the entire marathon. I’ll also need official race results, photos, video, and witness documentation.

That means this is not just “run Chicago in a funny costume.” It’s a full-on endurance project, documentation project, design project, and fundraising project.

Your donation will help Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation support children and families facing cancer and fund research for better treatments and cures. Any amount helps — and every donation gives this traffic cone a little more purpose.

Thank you for supporting me, Coney, and this attempt to turn 26.2 miles of orange ridiculousness into something good.

Let’s make lemons into lemonade — and cones into hope.